Broken BC ferry won't be back on the schedule for the rest of summer
It’s been nearly a week since BC Ferries cancelled multiple sailings because of mechanical issues with its Coastal Renaissance vessel, but the company said it’s unlikely it will return before mid-October.
Since Wednesday, August 16, there have been major disruptions to the sailings between Nanaimo and Tsawwassen because of an engine issue with the Coastal Renaissance vessel.
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The ferry’s drive motor was inspected over the weekend, according to Stephen Jones, the executive director of engineering, and results suggested that a repair by rewinding of this stator currently is possible.
“However, due to limited access, we will only be able to confirm the full scope of the required repair after the rotor has been removed,” he said.
While BC Ferries does not yet know the full scope of the repair, Jones said it’s expected repairs will take about five weeks.
The Coastal Renaissance is currently at Departure Bay in Nanaimo.
BC Ferries’ president and chief executive officer, Nicolas Jimenez, said by Thursday they would have contacted more than 7,500 people who had a booked sailing on the vessel.
According to Karen Tindall, director of customer care, most of these customers were not able to be moved to alternate sailing and had their bookings cancelled and refunded.
“With the Queen of Coquitlam coming on this route, we’ve been able to protect about 3,000 bookings that otherwise would have been impacted. So we’re really happy that that vessel is is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,” she said.
Jimenez is warning travellers to plan ahead once again if they are planning a trip with BC Ferries over the upcoming September long weekend.
“It’s going to be busy if you don’t have a booking,” she said.
She is also advising travellers to consider taking public transit, carpooling or booking a ride share as the last several weekends parking has filled up.
“By Saturday, most terminals are seeing parking lots full.”